Mike McCord

Defense Department Comptroller Mike McCord said the prospect of a continuing resolution into the new year is one of the biggest challenges DoD will face. House Republicans seem poised to act on a continuing resolution that would keep the government funded through current spending levels until March.

DoD’s 2017 budget includes few changes to pay and benefits, but DoD facilities and procurement take a major hit. The proposal includes an $8.1 billion reduction to acquisition programs, a $1 billion cut to new construction and severe underfunding of base maintenance.

Pentagon officials are adamant that sequestration-level spending is
incompatible with the current Defense strategy. But, they also have serious concerns
with the plan House Republicans released this week to boost Defense funding, saying
it would limit their options and keep the military in a state of budget uncertainty.